Ex-Wolves players offer some Christmas cheer

Karl Henry and Kevin Foley, who won promotion to the Premier League as captain and player of the season respectively in Mick McCarthy's 2008/09 title-winning side, lent their support to the charity, which helps the homeless and others in need in Wolverhampton.

Henry, who now plays for Bradford and Foley, who has just started as an academy coach with the Wolves Under-13 side, passed on a donation of food, toiletries and other items on behalf of the Wolves Former Players' Association.

The pair also added their own donations as they spent time chatting to service users and volunteers of a charity which is now extending its influence beyond just being a soup kitchen.

Henry said: "Having been born in Wolverhampton, and played for Wolves for so many years, I was aware of the fantastic work which the Good Shepherd carries out and how important a role the charity plays for people who need their help.

"It was really humbling to see the incredible progress they are making and how many people they are helping whether it be on a temporary basis or those who have hit rock bottom and need that support get back on the right track.

"I know the Former Players’ Association at Wolves are keen to try and support local community organisations, and it was a pleasure to visit the Good Shepherd on their behalf and meet all of the people involved.”

Foley added: "It was a real eye-opener to see what goes on at the Good Shepherd but also a positive in hearing about the various ways they can now support people when they need it.

"Whilst the food is obviously a really important part of what they do, it is also a way that they can get to know people and point them in the right direction to try and give them a better future."

Over the last two years the Good Shepherd has extended its output, linking up with many other agencies in Wolverhampton to deliver a range of different services beyond just food.

Operations manager Tom Hayden said: "What we are trying to do is empower people to make lasting changes in their lives and find a long-term solution to poverty and homelessness.

"We are still very reliant and extremely grateful for all the food and donations we receive from people in the community, especially at this time of year when we are able to put them to good use to help people at Christmas.

"And we were delighted that Karl and Kevin took the time out to come and visit us and bring in some donations both from themselves and the Wolves’ Former PlayersAssociationon.

"Any sort of support has a really positive impact on what we are doing here at the Good Shepherd, and we are looking forward to continuing to work with people from the city as we try and take the charity even further forward next year."

Visit the Good Shepherd website for more information on the charity.